The Lemon Index

All cars · Volkswagen Passat · 2021

2021 Volkswagen Passat. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index51100 = average car
Complaints12NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold24,396U.S. model year
Per 100K sold49complaints
Year rank#3 of 9#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 1

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
2.0L 4-cyl turboAuto (S6)FWD24 / 36 / 28Regular$2,200

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Lane assist42%
Brakes33%
Lights17%
Steering8%
Electrical8%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
1811001

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 1

  • 21V812000 Oct 2021 Wheels / Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs

    Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and Passat vehicles. The front wheel bearing bolts may have been incorrectly tightened.

    Risk. The bolts may loosen and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy. Dealers will inspect the tightness of the wheel bearing bolts and replace the bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40R7.

Manufacturer communications 349

Volkswagen filed 349 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • "Instructional document regarding the installation of a hotfix for the ODIS service software
  • Brake Rotor, Vibration / Pulsation Instruction (U.S
  • Brake Rotor, Vibration / Pulsation

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD Later Release★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Volkswagen Passat 4 DR FWD Early Release★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardStandardOptional

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2018492441,401Brakes
202033722,964Automatic emergency braking
2021511224,396Lane assist

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data